Selma High, RB Hudson to send students to FBLA conference in Texas, ask for funding help

Selma students are preparing to take their talents, leadership skills and business knowledge to the national stage as members of the Future Business Leaders of America head to the 2026 FBLA National Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

Students from Selma High School and R.B. Hudson STEAM Academy will represent Alabama at the conference, which is scheduled for June 28 through July 3 and will bring together some of the nation's top FBLA members for competition, leadership development and networking opportunities.

The FBLA chapters are currently seeking community support to help cover the costs of transportation, lodging and conference registration. School officials say sponsorships will help ensure students can participate in the conference and represent their schools, the City of Selma and the State of Alabama on the national stage.

Leading the delegation is Selma High School student Zachenzie Milhouse, a rising junior who was elected Alabama FBLA State President for the 2026-27 school year during the Alabama FBLA State Leadership Conference held in Mobile in April. Milhouse earned the position through a statewide vote of FBLA members.

As state president, she will represent Alabama throughout the National Leadership Conference, serving alongside the state officer cabinet in leadership sessions, workshops and meetings while also participating in national officer elections and conference activities.

Selma High School senior JaDarius Tyus also qualified for the national conference after earning a third-place finish in Business Ethics during state competition. Tyus served as a voting delegate for Alabama at the state conference and will compete against top students from across the country in San Antonio.

R.B. Hudson STEAM Academy will also attend the national event.

Student Ryleigh Thornton earned statewide recognition as the recipient of the Alabama Young Leader Award, the highest honor presented to middle school FBLA members in the state. Thornton was also selected to represent Alabama in the prestigious Parade of States during the conference's opening session, which will be held during the nation's semi-quincentennial celebration year.

Thornton has also made history as the first middle school student selected to serve on the Alabama FBLA Council. At the national conference, she will compete in Career Research.

Joining Thornton will be fellow R.B. Hudson FBLA members Karsyn Collins, chapter president, who will compete in Exploring Management and Entrepreneurship, and Journee Dubose, who will compete in Annual Chapter Activities.

School leaders say participation in the National Leadership Conference provides students with valuable opportunities to strengthen leadership skills, explore career pathways and gain real-world experience through competitions, educational workshops and professional networking.

FBLA advisers praised the students for their accomplishments and dedication.

"Our students have demonstrated remarkable dedication, perseverance and excellence throughout the year," advisers said. "Their accomplishments reflect not only their academic success but also their commitment to leadership, service and personal growth. We are extremely proud of their achievements and excited to see them represent Alabama at the national level."

Individuals and organizations interested in supporting the students' trip to the National Leadership Conference are encouraged to contact the FBLA chapters at Selma High School and R.B. Hudson STEAM Academy.